Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Set your sights on an extra–Orrick–nary Golden State firm with a long-lived legacy across tech, energy, finance and health. This is California dreamin’, done right.

About the Firm

Ask insiders what sets this firm apart, and one word comes up repeatedly: innovation. With a focus across finance, tech and innovation, energy and infrastructure, and life sciences, Orrick “deeply understands the market in which its clients operate and advise on a range of different issues important to those sectors.” Simply put: “We don’t try to do everything, we try to do the most interesting work for the most interesting clients,” explained one junior.

“We have time as attorneys to focus on real substantive work…”

Well, Orrick might not do everything, but it isn't far off it. Over at Chambers USA the firm sits in a league of its own nationwide across a whole host of practices including capital markets: securitization, litigation: white-collar crime & government investigations, energy transition, financial services regulation, intellectual property, corporate/M&A, public finance, and product liability & mass torts. This external reputation for innovation has translated internally too. Most of the insiders we spoke to referenced the firm’s adoption of AI as a genuine differentiator. Indeed, the firm features amongst 'The Elite' for this in our latest satisfaction awards. The firm’s use of AI is meaningfully changing how its associates are working for the better, as one source noted: “We have time as attorneys to focus on real substantive work and think about the strategy of our cases, rather than doing more administrative work that takes a lot of time.”

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as The Elite for Junior Satisfaction and The Elite for Mid to Senior Satisfaction in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is also recognized as The Elite for Junior Satisfaction in Northern California specifically.

Summer Program

“We had a pretty balanced social calendar” shared one source, speaking to how Orrick held at least one, if not two social events each week during the summer program. The firm also runs an academy each year for its summers, “it was cool,” recalled one insider, “I got to meet summers that are in my practice group but not in the same office.” Sources shared that although they were assigned into a practice area, they got an opportunity to sample varied work; “that was insightful, because as a summer, I wasn’t fully aware of what I wanted to do, so I got to try different things”.

Some particularly highlighted the substantive work they did during their summer at Orrick. “It was client work, but client work that was less time sensitive” said one junior. Legal research for litigation matters was a key task, along with preparing client memos, all with the understanding that work was related to real matters. Associates also noted how important it is to use the 10 weeks to build connections. As one insider explained, “it can feel like a lot, but 10 weeks goes by fast, you don’t want to feel like you have missed out.”

Strategy & Future

But it's not just innovation for innovation's sake. “At Orrick, we don’t try to be all things to all people,” managing partner, Jessica Perry tells us, “we focus on four specific sectors: tech and innovation; energy and infrastructure; finance; and life sciences.” Perry also highlights how the firm is focused on investing in their first-year associates to “ensure that they have all the skills that they need with AI and otherwise to be the next generation of successful lawyers.”

She also tells us how AI continues to drive demand at Orrick, and how this demand is being used to train junior lawyers: “We’re investing a lot more in mentoring, and doing more institutionally to build our GenAI literacy and professional skills.” This is due to how she believes “AI is going to be become a daily part of how we practice law and augment our skills.” Perry notes the consequences of those who do not adopt AI, explaining that “in the future those who are well-versed in using AI and integrate it into their daily practice are going to be more efficient and better able to provide advice to their clients.” In short, if you’re ready to get on board and ride the AI wave, Orrick could be the firm for you.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as The Elite for AI Integration in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

The Work

Although Orrick originates in San Francisco, associates we interviewed provided insights from across the firm’s roster of locations. With teams in all of its domestic offices typically taking on juniors (West Virginia currently the only exception), it’s clear that the firm’s roots reach far further than its origins. In terms of staffing, this tended to differ depending on the department associates worked within. While some favored a centralized staffing system, others preferred organic work allocation passed on directly from supervising associates and partners.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as The Elite for Work Allocation & Autonomy in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Career Development

“People are always super happy to talk to you.”

Growth at Orrick isn’t left to chance. As one insider explained, “they check in because they care about growth trajectory,” emphasizing that “there’s lots of check-ins to make sure we’re getting the things that we want.” Sources we spoke to made sure to highlight how associate development is particularly important to the firm. “The teams aren’t super huge” noted one junior, “so if you’re on a team, you’re doing something, and you’re contributing.” The firm’s commitment to structured formal training was another recurring theme, with associates discussing the broad range of CLEs training on offer. And CLEs aren’t just offered to associates at Orrick; their clients are also given the opportunity to participate and learn. Juniors were a fan of this client service provided by the firm with one explaining that, “offering CLEs to our clients is an opportunity as an associate to learn something yourself by teaching someone else.”

When it comes to coaching associates, “everyone is encouraged to participate in Orrick Onsite,” an initiative to drive collaboration in the office, and which was praised by insiders. It’s clear too that the firm loves a day away to upskill their associates, as they hosted not one, not two, but three in-person retreats last year to provide AI training for their ranks.Mentorship and hands-on guidance from seniors were other aspects valued by associates, especially since partners work directly with juniors. However, some juniors felt that informal mentorship differed depending upon the mid-levels staffed on a matter, as “some are really excited to schedule a call and walk you through work and give detailed feedback, while others are just looking to offload work.” Despite this, general consensus seemed to be that “people are always super happy to talk to you.”

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Career Development in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Hours & Compensation

Insiders told us that whilst there was no official billable target, in order to be in the best position to earn a bonus, associates were expected to hit a minimum of 1,950 eligible billable hours, of which at least 1,800 must be client billable hours. This did not deter interviewees who said: “I don’t think it’s a problem to hit the target.” Beyond the 1,800 client billables, the extra 150 eligible hours can consist of pro bono, business development, self-investment time such as training and shadowing, and up to 40 hours annually of unplug time after busy work periods. All in all, “there’s a lot of ways you can get that last 150.” Sources noted that hitting 1,950 hours is very achievable, with one telling us: “I have consistently exceeded my hours every year. I don’t think at Orrick you need to be looking for work, work just comes around.” Juniors were also happy to report that the firm is keen to ensure that nobody is overworked. Insiders in the litigation practice group noted how they can find themselves working 80 hour weeks during trial, though they added how “there are weeks where I only bill 30 hours, it’s the nature of our practice.” With regard to compensation, the firm offers flexible working arrangements where you can reduce billable hour expectations for lower pay. Other than that, the firm follows the Cravath pay scale and also allows for the opportunity to receive regular and special bonuses.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Benefits & Quality of Life in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Culture

“It’s a place where I can be myself whilst working on cutting edge assignments.”

Culture at Orrick has a “California law firm” vibe to it, as “it’s much more business casual than other firms.” Associates noted how this relaxed atmosphere allows for more approachability between juniors and seniors, making for a firm full of “friendly people.” As one noted, “I feel very comfortable walking into a partner’s office and asking about something that’s not even directly matter related. I think that’s a real plus of the firm.” Having a Cali vibe doesn’t take away from the considerable cases being worked on by associates, making it “a place where I can be myself whilst working on cutting edge assignments.” Sources also described a sense of togetherness and teamwork, in particular noting a big emphasis on not wanting to go head-to-head against their own constituents. “They want you to enjoy the environment whilst also putting in great work,” explained one insider, “there’s not a sense of being the best, it’s all collaborative.” When discussing the office, juniors noted how it’s an “encouraging place to be in.” There is currently a three day in-office rule, which, according to sources, is now being enforced with increased rigor. Orrick’s offices mainly follow a hot-desk system, but associates who are in more than others get an assigned office.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Culture in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Pro Bono

Associates at Orrick are encouraged to do at least 20 hours of pro bono work per year, with no cap placed on the maximum amount of hours you can do, and since it often “seems like the supply outweighs the demand” the firm’s pro bono coordinator is always looking for willing volunteers meaning juniors are free to do as much pro bono work as they like. However, insiders noted that “there’s more of an emphasis on the billable work, and they want us to always keep that in mind” but if you have the capacity then you’re welcome to take on pro bono cases without limitation. And despite billables coming first, insiders noted that the majority of associates still make time for pro bono: “the majority of us hit our 20-hour minimum goals” said one junior. The firm offers a broad range of matters to work on, with all associates noting immigration related cases being a big focus for the firm.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized as an Excellent Performer for Pro Bono in our 2026 associate satisfaction survey.

Inclusion

“It’s baked into the culture, it’s so steeped into us” explained one source when asked about inclusion at the firm. When looking to join Orrick, one insider noted that what partly drew them in was “the quality-of-life metrics seemed strong.” Associates also pointed out how the firm has been less vocal about their inclusion initiatives externally, but they highlighted how the firm still makes everyone feel included internally and will do everything to make everyone feel included. Insiders praised the amount of inclusion networks the firm has, such as the Asian Pacific Attorneys, Black Lawyers of Orrick, LGBTQ+ Attorneys, and the Women’s Initiative (including the Women of Colour Collective). Sources also noted how leadership at the firm is receptive to recommendations provided by these groups.